The inaugural champions clash with 2016’s title holders in Jaipur, while a team that has never won a final meets opposition that have won two of them in Bengaluru.
Rajasthan are beaming with confidence after beating reigning champs Mumbai earlier this week, but will be hard pressed against a Hyderabad outfit that stole victory from the jaws of defeat against the Kings XI Punjab recently.
RR vs SRH | Sunday, 29 April | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 12:30
To Win Match
Rajasthan Royals 21/20
Tie 35/1
Sunrisers Hyderabad 8/10
Rajasthan Royals
All eyes will be on Krishnappa Gowtham who pulled off a self-professed ‘miracle’ against Mumbai, further derailing the defending champs’ campaign and ensuring Rajasthan’s remains on track. The Royals have to admit, though, that Gowtham’s heroics shouldn’t be needed down the order, if Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes and company are able to fire before him.
The jury is still out on whether Heinrich Klaasen will retain his spot, but there’s a lot to be said about a balanced XI that probably doesn’t need him – and could do with an additional bowling all-rounder resource instead. Jofra Archer, meanwhile, enjoyed a solid debut – and will be eager to take advantage of the home conditions.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Hyderabad, evidently, have the most collective gumption and steel of the eight teams at the IPL so far. Skipper Kane Williamson is often key to this, frequently refusing to go down without a fight. With Shikhar Dhawan by his side, he will target a repeat of early April’s comfortable victory over Sunday’s opposition.
The teams had an even split of results during the 2014 and 2015 competition. Rajasthan, of course, were absent in 2016 and 2017, so the resumption in rivalry and opportunity to take a lead in the head-to-head battle forged yesteryear is vital. Hyderabad, understandably, will want to be far more convincing this time than they were against Punjab a couple of days ago.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals 21/20
The home side just seem better equipped to take this one, particularly if one of their batsmen can get on top of Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who teeters between brilliant and average.
RCB vs KKR | Sunday, 29 April | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 16:30
To Win Match
Rajasthan Royals 67/100
Tie 35/1
Kolkata Knight Riders 5/4
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Captain Virat Kohli was furious with his bowlers during and after defeat to the Chennai Super Kings – rightly so. How they couldn’t successfully defend a 200-plus total, despite the characteristic clubbing of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, still perplexes. A swift, thorough and professional response is, indeed, in high demand.
Corey Anderson, one surmises, will be deemed surplus to requirements for this match. He was poor with bat and ball against the Super Kings – and should probably be sidelined for some local talent, or an overseas player of better form. At the very least, he should swap positions in the batting order with fellow New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme.
Kolkata Knight Riders
The last four years of head-to-head battles sees Kolkata leading the race at six-three. They’ve traded blows throughout, with neither really ever gaining advantage over the other. The same is likely for this contest, hopefully until the final delivery, making for a thrilling contest.
Here’s hoping for the presence of South African Cameron Delport, who remains there and thereabouts but still not central to Kolkata’s cause. Winning the toss and batting first was key at Eden Gardens at the start of the tournament – and the same is likely at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where big-hitters can cash in on small boundaries.
Verdict: Kolkata Knight Riders 5/4
The visitors will probably stretch their five-year lead over Bangalore to seven-three, as they jostle for position in the top half of the standings, and Kohli and company slip further down.
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